at first baptist september...
TRANSCRIPT
“Striving to be the Church of Jesus Christ where Every Member is a Minister”
AT FIRST BAPTIST
SEPTEMBER 2014
DAN MCDOWELL
Senior Pastor MILLARD COOK
Asst. Pastor Senior/Adult Ministries
SUE NEELY VANBRUNT
Minister of Music
BRUCE LAVERTY
Director of Family Ministries
ROBERT FAULDS
Organist
CAROLE LAVERTY
Family Ministries Associate
PENNY SOROKES
Church Secretary
BONNIE KETTLE
Financial Secretary
MICKI ELLIS
Audio Visual Specialist GERALD NUTT
Custodian
MAY HE
FIND US
FAITHFUL Much has been
written of late
regarding the
direction that our
country is headed.
Recent surveys
have found that the
majority of
Americans are concerned about the future of the
United States and, more importantly, what the future
might hold for our children, our grandchildren and
other future generations. Many believe that they will
not have it as good as we had it in our time and many
young people are complaining about the mess we are
leaving for them to clean up. Of course, not everyone
is quite so pessimistic.
We might ask ourselves similar questions about Olean
First Baptist Church. What future do we want for the
next generation of OFBC members… for our
children’s children? What are we doing to ensure that
their future in our church will be bright and spiritually
strong? What will future generations say about the
conditions we left for them at our church?
With these questions in mind, the Trustees decided to
make the theme for our 2014 Stewardship Campaign
“May He Find Us Faithful” and the theme song is one
written made by John Mohr and made famous by
Steve Green, “Find Us Faithful.” The chorus of the
song is as follows:
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.
May the fire of our devotion light their way.
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey.
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.
Re-read the lyrics above and seriously think about the
message. Will those who come behind us find us
faithful? Will they recognize us as children of God?
Is there fire in our devotion? Did they feel it? Did it
light their way? Did we lead the next generation to
believe? Did we inspire them to obey…to turn to God
in their times of need… to recognize God as the
source of everything good and all power and all
mercy?
Our stewardship campaign will begin on September
21st and we challenge everyone to prayerfully
consider the song lyrics and the questions above.
What are you doing or what can you do to ensure that
those who come behind us will find us faithful?
Like last year, we are again looking for volunteers to
do stewardship moments during the campaign. This
year, we are asking that folks talk about people who
they have found to be faithful and who inspired them
and led them to believe. If you are willing to give
such a testimonial, please contact Pastor Dan or any
member of the Board of Trustees.
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~The Board of Trustees
Sunday, September 14th is Rally Sunday and the Board of Christian Education is inviting everyone to join us for
Rally Day. John 6:35 ~ “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes
in me will never be thirsty” as our focus, we are inviting everyone to wear a shirt or jersey that demonstrates faith.
Bibles will be presented to our third graders, there will be teacher appreciation, synopses of our Sunday School and
Bible Study opportunities and our children’s choir sharing a song! Invite a friend and join us!
JULY 20 – FBC LADIES CRUISIN’ CHAUTAUQUA LAKE
ON THE SUMMERWIND
Gayle Rockey, Marcie Rust, Pam Nutt, Shirley Bradford, Nancy Taylor, Grace Thurston, Megan Sorokes,
Mary Ellen Olson, Faith Boyce and Friend Priscilla, Casey DeGroff, Penny Sorokes
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FROM THE PASTOR’S
HEART……
“Be still and know that I am
God.” (Psalm 46:10a)
I imagine you have heard
that verse many times over
the years. It speaks to us about the need to stop what
we are doing and give our full attention to our Creator.
You might have noticed that the verse quoted above is
incomplete however. The full verse reads: “He says,
‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted
among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’”
I don’t know about you, but from the moment I
climb out of bed in the morning until long after my
head hits the pillow at night I find myself thinking
about what is next on my agenda. If I’m not busy
“doing”, I am busy thinking about what needs done.
Usually I start off by making a list of things I need to
get to. Inevitably, someone will stop by the office or
call on the phone to ask a question or share a concern
and I often have to remind myself to put my agenda
aside so I can focus on the matter at hand.
That is what God is calling for when He instructs
us to “Be still and know” that He is God. It is required
of us if we are to put Him first and truly exalt Him. If
that doesn’t happen, God can’t be exalted in our own
lives, much less among the nations and in the whole
planet. It all starts with me – and you.
That is why I was grateful to have the opportunity
to travel to Green Lake in July to attend a conference
there called “Rhythms of the Spirit”. It was a time of
practical instruction and reflection on contemplative
spirituality or silent prayer and reflection. I was
surprised and impressed by those who attended this
with me. The General Secretary of our denomination
was there – as were several regional Executive
Ministers and missionaries as well as prominent pastors
and pastor’s spouses.
During our time together we reflected on a whole
variety of contemplative practices: Stillness (silent
meditation); Movement (labyrinth walking and other
contemplative movement); Creation Process (singing,
chanting, art); Activist (work-related witness);
Generative (monastic methods); Ritual/Cyclical
(ceremonies) and Relational (storytelling and deep
listening). Performing these various spiritual methods
helped me to be still and know God is God in ways I
might have never experienced otherwise.
One of the generative practices I enjoyed
during the conference was called Lectio Divina (Latin
for divine reading). It is a traditional Benedictine
practice of scripture reading, meditation and prayer
intended to promote communion with God and to
increase the knowledge of God's Word. It does not
treat Scripture as texts to be studied, but as the Living
Word.
There are four separate steps to the process: read,
meditate, pray and contemplate. First a passage of
Scripture is read, then its meaning is reflected upon.
This is followed by prayer and contemplation on the
Word of God. The focus is not a theological analysis
of biblical passages but viewing them with Christ as
the key to their meaning. For example, given Jesus'
statement in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my
peace I give unto you" an analytical approach would
focus on the reason for the statement during the Last
Supper, the biblical context, etc.
But in Lectio Divina rather than “dissecting
peace”, the practitioner “enters peace” and
experiences or shares in the peace of Christ by
focusing the emotions as well as the intellect on the
meaning of the promise Jesus made.
I hope this gives you some insight into the
blessing I received by my time in Green Lake.
Anyone who has gone to the American Baptist
Conference center there in Wisconsin will tell you that
it is a spectacular and peaceful facility that offers
tremendous opportunities for growth and refreshment.
I highly recommend it.
Ten years ago Jim Kirkpatrick instigated a group
of us to attend a mission conference there and it was
an unforgettable experience. Several of the saints
who shared the house we rented have now gone on to
their eternal reward. I will always treasure the time
we spent together there.
Of course, we don’t have to travel to Wisconsin
to find a meaningful change of pace. This past
summer we offered a variety of outings and
outreaches. These were opportunities to get outside of
our normal routines to experience what God has for
us; to stretch ourselves and open our hearts and minds.
Unfortunately we cancelled some of those
opportunities due to lack of interest. Others (such as
the 15th
Street outreach) were carried out with
minimal participation. If you ask those who attended
things like the vesper service at Rock City, the
Women of Faith Conference in Rochester, the Ladies
Cruise on Chautauqua Lake, or the mission tour of
Cameron Community Ministries and Fairport Baptist
Home, you will hear some powerful testimonies.
We all live very busy lives and there is no lack of
things to do on most of our agendas but consider how
important it is to be still – and know He is God!
~Pastor Dan
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SUMMER MUSIC 2014
We hope you enjoyed the
worship music this summer. If
you have ideas or suggestions for
next year, please let your
thoughts be known by writing a note to Bev Firth and/or
the Music Committee. Along with our Minister of
Music, Sue Neely VanBrunt, they diligently plan for a
variety of music during the summer months, and want
your feedback. A big ‘thank you’ goes to those who
prepared music for our summer services this year: Erin
Arsenault, Josh Rosel, Casey DeGroff & Matt Sage,
Lindsay Cummings, Bob Faulds, Kara Goodwin, Mike
Schultz, Jim Sorokes, Lynn Brown, Jack Ellis, Tim
Sherlock, the Olean Enchanted Mountain Barbershop
Chorus and Three:Sixteen. We also appreciate Grace
Thurston, Penny Sorokes, Bob Faulds & Casey
DeGroff & Mike Schutlz and for their weekly
management of the piano, organ and hymn presentation.
And while we’re saying thanks, we include our audio
technicians Dave Anderson, Paul Geise, and Darlene
Selph. What a great job they always do in providing our
sound and radio coverage!
Musical Ministries
return to fall schedule As we read this, we are still enjoying the final days of
summer! But, it won’t be long until the leaves begin to
turn and we fully return to our fall schedules! At Olean
FBC, September means the return of the Senior Choir
and the In One A’Chord Handbell Choir to worship. If
you like music, enjoy good fellowship and want to have
some fun, won’t you consider being part of these groups
this year?
The Senior Choir meets every Thursday at 7:00 pm to
prepare their worship music. Singers aged 12-92, who
can sing melody as well as those who can read parts are
invited to join. You are welcome to sit through a
rehearsal and see if it’s for you! Come to the first fall
rehearsal on Thursday Sept 4th and give it a try!
If you enjoy the bell selections and can find your way
through a piece of music, the Bell Choir might be the
avenue for you. Talk with director, Bob Faulds this
week about the possibility of ringing or at least seeing
what it’s all about during one of their 7 pm Wednesday
rehearsals.
The only requirement for participation in these
ministries is your willingness to share the musical talent
God has given you!
Sue Neely VanBrunt
In 2014 the Memorial
Committee was privileged to
dedicate the following gifts
to the Glory of God and the
Service of His Kingdom.
BRIDE’S ROOM AND CHAPEL New Window Coverings
Given by Janet Snyder
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Digital Camera - FUGI Film - SD Card
In memory of Diane Brenton,
Dorothy Dunshie, Myrne Hazzzard
Given by Friends
FELLOWSHIP HALL Large Wall Clock
In Memory of Peggy Grimes, Betty Ortlip,
Rita Taylor and Margaret Robinson
Given by Friends
OFFICE Three Hole Punch
In Memory of Maxine Porcello
Given by Friends
CAMP VICK CAMPERSHIPS In Memory of Richard and Mabel Lyons
In Memory of JoAnn Mazza
MUSIC MINISTRY Choir Riser Rails
In Honor of My Mother
Given by an Anonymous Giver
Two (2) Mics for Bell Choir Amplification
In Memory of Helen Fortner
Given by Bud Fortner and Sue Keim
Adjustable Piano Lights for
Electronic Piano and Chapel Spinet
In Memory of Marie Williams
Given by Friends and Family
Set of Choral Anthem Books with CD’s
(includes 20 new anthems)
In Memory of Grace Montgomery
and Ronald Montgomery
Given by Friends and Family
RADIO MINISTRY Two (2) Wireless Handheld Microphones
Given by Janet Snyder
SANCTUARY 12 NIV Large Print Hardcover Bibles
In Memory of Frances Sprague
Given by Friends
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LOVE FOR THE BIBLE “
O how love I thy law! it is my
meditation all the day.” (Psm.
119: 97)
The 119th
Psalm is the longest chapter in the Bible.
The psalmist takes this lengthy chapter to repeatedly
sing of his love for the Word of God. I have long
been a believer that no Christian can be truly
successful in their daily walk with Christ who is not
feeding on His word.
The 103rd
verse of this chapter tells us “How sweet
are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey
to my mouth!” We are to feast daily upon the Word.
As I write this I am in the process of reading the
biography of Louis Zamperini. He had been on a
downed B-24 in WWII. On a life raft for over 45
days with no supplies you must marvel at the ability to
survive and just what hunger and thirst can drive you
to. At one point he would reach into the sea to grab a
shark by its tail drag in into the raft to eat.
Do you hunger for and love the Word of God? Do
you make it priority in you daily life and schedule?
Those who know me well know that I have a very
strange daily schedule that would not work for most
people but does work well for me. I am an early riser
and the first thing on my schedule is my time in the
Word. I am not saying that mine is the only way or
even the best way, only that it is the best way for me.
Just as when King Saul tried to give David his armor
to fight Goliath and David said no for he had not
proved it. The armor was good but it did not fit
David. Your armor will not fit me nor mine you. But
we must each find that prefect way us to draw our
strength, power and peace from the Word each day.
We must meditate upon the Word. That means more
than just read a chapter and go to bed. To meditate is
chew as a cow chews the cud. Going over and over
that same thought or passage to draw all the
nourishment we possibly can from it. This is far more
than a head knowledge that says “I know that story.”
Rather it is, what does that story have new for me
today. Never forget what we are told in Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and
sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to
the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts
and intents of the heart.”
If I love God’s Word and meditate upon it than I must
obey it. Psm. 119: 47 “And I will delight myself in thy
commandments, which I have loved.” To you find
following the will of God a joy or a chore? If you are
trying to live it in your own strength it is a chore that
will wear you out. But when you allow the Holy
Spirit to have complete control then you will find you
are just along for the ride and what a joy life can be.
So in the coming days commit yourself to the Word.
Read the Word, study the Word and obey the Word.
You will find the joy peace and victory that the Lord
has for you there in His Word.
~Pastor Millard
Pastor Dan is inviting any
and all retires of our
church to lunch on
Monday, October 14, at
noon. He will offer some
devotional thoughts as
well as an opportunity for food and fellowship.
Transportaion to this event is available for any who
need it. There is no charge but donations will be
gratefully accepted. Please sign up on the bulletin
insert or call the church
Our prayer chain ministry serves our congregation by
spreading the word when a prayer concern is shared. Church
members can contact the church office or Terri McDowell
(who is in charge of the prayer chain) to have their concern
passed along to the folks on the prayer chain for support. If
you would like to be a member of the prayer chain and
support folks through prayer, please contact Terri at
[email protected] or call her at 716-307-1327. You
can receive notifications by phone or by email, whichever
works best for you
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Kara Pascucci, Donna DeLong, Terri McDowell,
Maunie Ketchner, Megan Sorokes, Penny Sorokes,
Nancy Taylor, Marcie Rust, Casey DeGroff, Jodie
Martin, Violet Butler, Cheri O’Dell, Sarah Fry*,
Gayle Rockey, Cherry Feely*, Deb Hall, Nancy
Williams, Andrea Keim*, Sue Keim, Pam Nutt
(Missing: Shelly Woods, June Johnston*, Maria
Cutler*, Sarah Javed*)
WOMEN OF FAITH 2014
SURVIVAL TO REVIVAL
is now a blessing and a memory to those who
attended. We had a wonderful time from our
progressive dinner Friday evening to hearing from
Sheila Walsh and Patsy Clairmont, to praise and
worship led by Natalie Grant, to inspiration from Lisa
Bevere and Christine Caine, to infectious laughter
with Anita Renfro, to moving testimony from Kay
Warren, to worship through song with Matthew West,
to the humor and wisdom of Lisa Harper, to our
closing meal together at Panzari’s Italian
Bistro….what a blessing to experience of all of that
with our Sisters in Christ! Simply A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!
If you are age 18 or over and weren’t able to go with
us this year, we are already making our plans for
WOF 2015: Loved-- You are seen; You are known;
You are free on August 28-29 in Philadelphia, PA.
WOF will NOT be returning to Rochester next year
but hopes to be back in 2016. We need to make our
reservations ASAP to secure the best seating and take
advantage of available discounts: Premium seats cost
$85 including a $30 discount available for tix
purchased before 9/15. A buy-now/pay-later option
is available but a $30 deposit is required to purchase a
ticket. Contact Penny Sorokes
to make a reservation or for more information.
SUNDAY SCHOOL is a wonderful opportunity to: (a) study God’s word;
(b) learn how others apply God’s word in
their daily lives;
(c) share experiences, praises, and concerns; and
(d) be in fellowship with other Christians.
Currently, we have a
class for children ages
pre-school through grade
5; and a class for our
teens. We also have two
adult Sunday School
classes: The Builders
(who meet in the board
room); and the Seekers
(who meet in the classroom across from the kitchen).
Both adult classes (Seekers and Builders) are
always willing to accept new members or
guests.
Pastor Dan will hold a Newcomers Class for
those interested in church membership and/or
baptism or even for those just interested in
getting to know our church and denomination
better starting on September 7 and running
through October.
There are no qualifications, age limits, or
entrance exams and you certainly do not need
to be a Bible expert to participate. In fact, if
you simply want to sit quietly and listen to the
discussions, that is perfectly fine.
No one will call on you to read those peculiar
Old Testament names or ask you some deep
theological question.
You can participate as much or as little as you
choose.
And think about the potential benefits you’d derive
from attending: the ideas… the sharing… the
caring… the fellowship!! It would be the perfect
extension to your Sunday worship.
So why not give it a try this coming Sunday? Who
knows? You might actually like it!!!
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The Family of God We extend our Christian
Love and Sympathy to
Deb Hall on the passing of
Ernest “Scott” Bish on May
16; to Harriett Wilday and
family on the of Harriett’s
great-grandchild on July 29;
to Bob Brookins on the loss f his nephew, Anthony
Spalla, on August 1; and to Gloria, Tim and Liz Spiller
and their family on the passing of Clarence who went
home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, August 17.
Clarence had been a member at Olean FBC for 42 years
Wedding Bells are
Ringing……
Ali Kane
and
Adam Hellwig
were married at sunrise on
July 1 in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Ali is the
daughter of Mike & Val Kane.
Sharyn Garey
and
David Hornburg
Were married at
First Baptist on Saturday
July 26, 2014
Carl Park Samuelson
and
Candice Sheehan
Were joined in Holy
Matrimony in Lincoln Park
on Saturday, July 26, 2014
MILESTONE
ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATIONS!!!
Dana & Cari Matejka Boser – 10 (Aug. 8)
Bob & Sheila Faulds -30 (June 23)
Mike & Sandy Schultz – 50 (June 6)
Gordon & Mary Ellen Olson – 60 (July 6)
Jim & MaryAnne Kirkpatrick – 70 (July 14)
DIRECTORY CHANGES Jim & Yvonne (Perry) Clark
1672 Olean Portville Rd.
Olean, NY 14760
David & Nanette Torrey
1094 Olean Portville Rd.
Olean, NY 14760
372-5578
Paul & Jamie Geise
1721 Goodrich Ave.
Olean, NY 14760
372-0844
Jason & Caitlin Davenport
1683 Goodrich Ave.
Olean, NY 14760
The Wednesday
Ladies Bible
Study will
resume
beginning
September 10 @
11:00 a.m. Newcomers are Welcome!!
On Sunday, June 22, Jim Sorokes became a Licensed
Lay Minister at Olean First Baptist Church upon the
recommendation of the Diaconate and the Advisory
Council and the approval of the congregation. We
extend our support and prayers to Jim in his walk and
service to the Lord.
UPCOMING EVENTS: October 25: Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference
Ladies Salad Luncheon with Guest Speaker
Sarah Harnisch, Family Life Ministries
October 31: Harvest Party
November 7-9: ABC/NYS Youth Convention
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CONGRATS!!
Jonah Rosel was
awarded the Olean
First Baptist Church
College Scholarship
on Sunday, June 29.
Jonah graduated in
June from Olean
High School and is
attending SUNY
Fredonia.
THANK YOU’S I can’t thank you enough for a lifetime of endless love,
support, and prayers. I am very honored to be the first
recipient of the Olean First Baptist Church
Scholarship. It will be used toward my tuition and fees
as I am attending SUNY Fredonia. Once again, I thank
you all. I wouldn’t be the man I am without Olean First
Baptist Church. Love, Jonah D. Rosel
Thank you so very much for your faithfulness to the
homeless. We ask for continued prayers for our
participants. On behalf of the people who benefit from
your generosity….Thank you!
Linore Lounsbury, Genesis House
Thank you to all the people who helped make this year's
Vacation Bible Camp a success. It was a great experience
for everyone and we couldn’t have done it without your
help!!
Thank you to all the people who helped our young
people collect over $1100 to support their
programming! Special thanks to Cheri O’Dell and
Casey DeGroff for all the time and effort they donated
to this project!
The Pink Envelopes in the pew racks
are for donations to the
DIACONATE FELLOWSHIP FUND
which offers financial support
to our members with extreme needs.
Donations may be made in any amount…
at any time…and are very much appreciated!!
FROM YOUR DIACONATE
The Diaconate Board will resume monthly meetings
on Tuesday, September 16 @ 6:30 pm.
World Communion
Sunday is October 5.
Not only will
communion be served
in our church, but
Diaconate members and Pastor Dan will be serving
communion to our homebound and nursing home
members.
A LADIES BIBLE STUDY FEATURING “BAD
GIRLS OF THE BIBLE AND WHAT WE CAN
LEARN FROM THEM” by Liz Curtis Higgs begins
Monday, October 6 @ 7 PM.
Ten of the Bible’s best-known
femmes fatales parade across
the pages of Bad Girls of the
Bible with situations that
sound oh-so-familiar. Eve had
food issues. Potiphar’s Wife
and Delilah had man trouble.
Lot’s Wife and Michal
couldn’t let go of the past,
Sapphira couldn’t let go of
money, and Jezebel couldn’t
let go of anything. Yet the Woman at the Well had
her thirst quenched at last, while Rahab and the
Sinful Woman left their sordid histories behind. Let
these Bad Girls show you why studying the Bible has
never been more fun A Novel Approach to Bible
Study….More than one million readers have already
taken a walk on the wild side with Former Bad Girl
Liz Curtis Higgs and her eye-opening blend of
contemporary fiction and biblical commentary. Laced
with humor, solid research, and heartfelt self-
disclosure, Liz’s unique brand of girlfriend theology
has helped women of all ages experience God’s grace
anew. “When she was perfect, beautiful, and
innocent, I found no toehold where I could connect
with Eve. When she was tempted by her flesh,
humbled by her sin, and redeemed by her God, I
could sing out, ‘Oh, sister Eve! Can we talk?’”—
from Bad Girls of the Bible !
Books which include discussion questions and study
guide are $13 ea. and will be ordered September 15.
Call the church office @ 372-5151 to sign up!
Location will be determined by the size of the group.
- 9 -
Part of what it means to be a follower of
Christ is to share the good news of Jesus not
only in your neighborhood but also around
the world. Each year, the World Mission
Offering (WMO) provides an opportunity to
understand what is happening worldwide
through the International Ministries (IM) and
to support those important mission efforts.
During worship in the month of October, we will gain information about WMO using the theme of the Macedonian
Vision in Acts 16—and how this vision is alive even today through International Ministries (IM) in Macau, in
China and all over the world.
We will celebrate how our WMO gifts make possible the ministries of 109 long-term IM missionaries and more
than 1,800 short-term missionaries and volunteers. They, along with more than 200 partner organizations, work in
more than 70 countries in:
Evangelism
Health and Healing
Anti-Human Trafficking
Theological Education
Economic Development
Education
Peace and Refuge
We believe that when we Rise to the Challenge, God will lead us to provide increased support for our worldwide
missions. Our 2014 WMO goal is $1,500. Please join us as we gain deeper understanding of International
Ministries and are blessed through our giving to WMO.
The Board of Christian Missions
- 10 -
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1 Randy Samuelson
2 Shelly Woods
4 Jodie Martin
Rachel Green
5 Sharyn Garey Hornburg
Elise Katzenstein
Quinn Covington
8 Dave Anderson
Matthew Buckley
Paul Geise
14 Hannah Collins
19 Larry Selph I
20 Louise Croft
22 Sheila Faulds
Ashley Putt
23 Cheyenne Peck
24 Molly DiCapua
John Garey
25 Lisa Hennig
27 Sheila Milton
28 Donna Buckley
29 Linda Kennemuth
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
4 Paul & Jamie Geise
12 Jim & Yvonne Perry Clark
16 Paul & Lindsay Cummings
Please let us know in the office
when you plan to fly south for
the winter months so that you’ll
continue to receive your church
mailings and we won’t incur fees
for returned mail.
ARTICLES AND INFORMATION
ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE
SEPTEMBER 11 FOR THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF
AT FIRST BAPTIST